Research Article

Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education

Volume: 9 Number: 1 June 22, 2026
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Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education

Abstract

Parametric design (PD) education requires an algorithms-based logic that imposes considerably high cognitive load. The aim of this study, therefore, is to explore and determine the efficiency of the four-component instructional design model (4C/ID). The 4C/ID has a focus on authentic, whole-task learning, which was tested on a group of 14 senior architecture students on a 15-week undergraduate course on PD within mixed-design research. There were pre- and post-assessments of computational thinking (CT), CT self-efficacy (CTSE), and design thinking (DT), along with analyses of final projects and qualitative feedback. The quantitative data showed that there were significant gains for algorithmic thinking and problem-solving skills after taking the course. There were significant gains for CTSE factors such as abstraction and reasoning. On correlation analysis, there was a strong relationship between course performance and these technical skills, although there were no significant correlations with DT scores, which were found not to have changed much. This implies that though the 4C/ID model facilitated the transition of students from passive understanding to confident performance of procedures, achieving competencies in higher order design skills took longer. Qualitative feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the 4C/ID model but also highlighted two issues: visual complexity in the interface and data complexity, which could hinder students who are not sufficiently prepared. Therefore, effective PD education needs careful task design and support for logical reasoning to balance technical requirements with creative objectives.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The ethical approval for this research was granted by the Yildiz Technical University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Meeting Date: 03.05.2025, Decision No: 2025.05).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Information Technologies in Architecture and Design, Architecture (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 22, 2026

Submission Date

January 1, 2026

Acceptance Date

February 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Tastan, H. (2026). Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education. Modular Journal, 9(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.59389/modular.1853822
AMA
1.Tastan H. Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education. Modular Journal. 2026;9(1):1-20. doi:10.59389/modular.1853822
Chicago
Tastan, Hasan. 2026. “Implementing the 4C ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education”. Modular Journal 9 (1): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.59389/modular.1853822.
EndNote
Tastan H (June 1, 2026) Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education. Modular Journal 9 1 1–20.
IEEE
[1]H. Tastan, “Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education”, Modular Journal, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–20, June 2026, doi: 10.59389/modular.1853822.
ISNAD
Tastan, Hasan. “Implementing the 4C ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education”. Modular Journal 9/1 (June 1, 2026): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.59389/modular.1853822.
JAMA
1.Tastan H. Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education. Modular Journal. 2026;9:1–20.
MLA
Tastan, Hasan. “Implementing the 4C ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education”. Modular Journal, vol. 9, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 1-20, doi:10.59389/modular.1853822.
Vancouver
1.Hasan Tastan. Implementing the 4C/ID Model for Parametric Design in Architectural Education. Modular Journal. 2026 Jun. 1;9(1):1-20. doi:10.59389/modular.1853822